USA 250

We are commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence that helped found the United States. The library is highlighting democratic and civic engagement, and learning throughout the year with a special focus on “We the People” and the ideals that helped form “the American Experiment.”

The Founding Fathers of our country did not have all the answers, but the people, events, and ideas of the Revolution, and our founding documents, have had a profound impact on the world. In the last 250 years, definitions of “America,” “American,” and even “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” have changed. The stories we tell about our history deserve to be re-told, re-examined, and used to remind us all of our civic responsibilities. 

This commemoration is a chance to broaden our perspectives, learn and reflect on the full picture of our nation’s past, and both celebrate and reckon with examples of justice and injustice, and of freedom and intolerance. 

Learn More

For a quick overview of USA250, the bipartisan America250 initiative has information about how and why it’s worthwhile to commemorate this anniversary. Illinois also has its own statewide effort. 

Read

• Expert staff have curated a list of books on Native and Indigenous communities, cultures, and histories, some directly related to the country’s founding and history.
• The National Park Service offers a quick overview and timeline of the Declaration, as well as an overview of the entire American Revolution. 
• Dive deep into all the Declaration of Independence content from The National Constitution Center. They have images, annotations of, and an audio version of the actual document, as well as discussions on things like the Declaration’s influence around the world and the pursuit of happiness. 
• With varied articles on everything from the Civil Rights Movement and World War I to gender and racial dynamics, the Organization of American Historians celebrates USA250 with many free articles to delve into our nation’s history. 

Listen

• Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Edward Larson discusses his newest book, Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Still Matters, on the “We The People” podcast from the National Constitution Center. 
• The podcast Constitutional from The Washington Post profiles stories of America as they pertain to the ideals of the Constitution. 

Watch

• The Library of Congress's Celebration includes the Rare Book and Special Collections Division, creating a series of short films presenting items that highlight aspects of American history and culture. 
• Including videos and clips, as well as other curated learning opportunities, PBS provides ‘America @ 250’ for great historical content and stories.
• History250.org provides short documentary films on formative events in American history. There are also documents, maps, and podcasts!

Library Resources

The library also provides many online resources to connect to history and dive into specific topics that might interest you. Use your library card to read about the experience and impact of African Americans, go back to 1849 in the Chicago Tribune, or locate primary sources and academic journals. 

Read about the civic impact of the attempted Nazi march in Skokie, or stop by in-person to use Ancestry.com and see your own historical connections!